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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Mufflers and Shocks
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Message started by mtstringer on 09/05/05 at 06:43:04

Title: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by mtstringer on 09/05/05 at 06:43:04

I have been watching these boards, ebay and everything else that has anything to do with my '87 and what I would like to do is change the muffler over to one of those Sportsters and maybe put some new shocks on it. As for the muffler there are lots for sale on ebay but some come with sort of a kit with adapters and reducers. So my question would be what is really needed to do the job and do I have a chance of ruining my header pipe taking the old rusted one off. As for the shocks, mine are stock I am sure and tend to bottom out going over RR tracks and such (I'm sure that my 205lb fat a#$ doesn't help), where could I go to get different shocks that fit the Savage?
Thanks for the help prior.
MT

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by lancer on 09/05/05 at 07:27:42

I am the same size as you are, and dealt with the same bottoming out issue. I replaced the stock shocks with 13.5" Progressive shocks, and the difference is like night and day. The extra travel and better dampening made the ride much better than before. I can still come close to bottoming the shock but I really have to try to do it. I would highly recommend getting a set...if you watch ebay closely and are patient you can get them for $50-80.

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by slavy on 09/05/05 at 09:09:51

Lancer answered about the shocks, so I am not going there. About the HD exhaust- there are many ways to go and do the trick. To remove the old muff, losen the clamp and spray liberally WD-40. Let it soak for 20 min, spray again and start twist and turn. It should work. When You are installing the new exhaust- there are certain variations in the models of exhausts and depending on this there are different ways to go. If You don't put adapter with bend between the muff and the header and just seal the connection, the only problem is that You will smoke the rear brake cable and the brake arm on the back wheel.It is not a biggie, unless You are trying to impress the lady next door. If You want to go the extra mile and make it the best- go to a muffler shop and have them make You an adapter . The more important part is to make sure the muffler is securely attached in the back. Depending on the model of the exhaust and the way You attached it to the header,You might have to make an adapter bracket to hold the muff to the existing mount. The old heat shield will cover anything You do where the header and the muff come together.

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by savage777 on 09/05/05 at 17:39:22

I 've heard alot of people say they bottom out ...I weigh in at about 235lbs and have never had this be an issue ..I've only got 5000m on this savage so maybe I haven't worn them out yet

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by babbalou on 09/05/05 at 18:26:53

My stock shocks don't bottom out on the second stiffest preload setting & I weigh 250+. Still, they're a little bouncy at times so I ordered a set of Progressive 412-4207C+ shocks in a 12.5" length & they're supposed to be in tomorrow. I'll install them friday night or sooner & I'll post in on how they work out.

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by Reelthing on 09/05/05 at 19:22:50

Can't find the link to the progressive pdf at the moment - do you know spring rate on 4207c's ?

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by babbalou on 09/05/05 at 19:30:24

I'm not sure what the spring rate is. I couldn't figure it out on the Progressive website. Since they're listed as a Suzuki VS800 application they may be a little stiff, but at my weight that's probably good. There's a preload adjustment on them though.

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by Reelthing on 09/06/05 at 05:52:30

ok - found the pdf link - looks like the 4207's have a spring rate of 105/150 - as best as I tell the stock shocks are 90-100 lb/in - so the 105 is a little stiffer but not much to start with - but as it compresses and get's closer to 150lb for the last inch you shouldn't be able to bottom these out during normal street rides with just you on there - should be much better - let us know

Http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdf/7100-105.pdf

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by jcbass7 on 09/07/05 at 17:33:47

i weigh about 170, and need to replace my stock shocks. i myself have an 87 and am wondering what would be the best replacement. I am only 17 so i may gain weight down the road but i dont see more than 185-190 in the near future. Also i am about 6'4". Any advice on shocks?
PS: i dont plan on riding with a passenger very often, but i derfinatly will occasionaly

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by SuperflyTNT on 09/09/05 at 18:31:54

Hey everyone, HELP! As we are discussing Shocks, I have some sportster shocks I am going to install, but I've found that the race on the boot is about .050" smaller than the shoulder bolts/posts that secure the shock...any help.

The guy who hooks me up can have my old (2 years, 4000 miles old) shocks for free if you want them.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Mufflers and Shocks
Post by babbalou on 09/09/05 at 20:00:55

My Progressive shocks arrived today. Look nice. I haven't put them on yet but I plan to this weekend & I'll let y'all know how they work out.